Establishing a Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation Hub
The evolution of higher education is not a new phenomenon. Educational practices are continually adapting to meet the needs of society. The current transformation of higher education is driven by shifting student demographics, evolving societal demands, and rapidly advancing technology. As the educational landscape shifts, the pressing question becomes how can we best serve our students and community. Holy Family University answers this call through the development of an innovation hub focused on biotechnology and biomanufacturing at its newly acquired Newtown West campus. This initiative positions the University at the forefront of scientific progress, preparing students for impactful careers in a rapidly advancing field.
Holy Family University’s mission is deeply rooted in its core values, which shape the institution’s holistic approach to education and commitment to the surrounding community. These values include family, fostering a sense of community and belonging; integrity, promoting ethical research and practice; vision, inspiring innovation; service and responsibility, encouraging engagement and accountability; respect, valuing human dignity; and learning, driving knowledge and growth. Together, they form a strong foundation for building an interconnected ecosystem that fosters collaboration and learning to meet the changing needs of students and society. The expansion and growth at the Newtown campus underscores Holy Family’s commitment to evolving its role in higher education. The vision for the Newtown campus includes a vibrant hub of innovation, social impact, and academic excellence. The new building includes fully renovated research laboratory space, meeting spaces and state of the art teaching laboratories. The goal is to bring together innovation leaders, student learners and community partners to work synergistically in driving scientific discovery and investing in workforce development initiatives.
Situated in the heart of the “Pharma Belt,” spanning North Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, home to 80% of U.S. pharmaceutical companies, our location offers opportunities for collaboration with industry leaders and access to career-defining internships and roles for our students. Allowing synergy within the ecosystem we will focus on cutting-edge research, hands-on skills development, and strategic job placements to prepare graduates for impactful careers.
Philadelphia is rapidly emerging as a global leader in cell and gene therapies, driving innovation in research, discovery, and biomanufacturing. With 10% of the world’s cell and gene therapy companies located in the region, it has become an important economic driver and a key player in the biotechnology landscape.
Our new incubator space serves as a launch pad and synergistic space for startup companies and nonprofits developing novel medicines and technologies. By developing community partnerships and participating in workforce development programs, we can play a pivotal role in biotech growth in the Philadelphia region. Such collaborations not only provide students and researchers with access to cutting-edge facilities and mentorship but also contribute to the region’s economic development and innovation landscape.
Investing in the life sciences through these partnerships enables our institution to stay at the forefront of scientific discovery, offering practical experiences that prepare students for careers in biotechnology and related fields. These collaborations can lead to joint research projects, shared resources, and a dynamic environment conducive to groundbreaking advancements.
Curricula are being realigned to address industry-specific skills gaps, ensuring graduates are workforce-ready and possess competencies that meet current market demands. There’s a growing emphasis on hands-on learning experiences, such as internships and practical projects, to enhance student engagement and real-world preparedness. Our goal is to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the rapidly growing pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and biomanufacturing industries.
With the development of this Innovation Center, Holy Family strengthens its ability to serve the campus community and broader region, fostering a dynamic environment where innovation and discovery thrive. Guided by our motto, teneor votis—‘I am bound by my responsibilities’—we embrace our commitment to empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact. This initiative prepares future leaders in biotechnology and drives progress that benefits society as a whole, reinforcing our dedication to education, research, and community engagement.